BubbleStream

J R Hardin

The Kudzu Monster Trilogy

Synopsis

Kalvin the Kudzu Monster lives in the forests of North Georgia where he and his friends work together to protect the forest and woodland creatures from natural disasters, sinister gangsters, and evil creatures that want to take over the forest. It's a tough job because there is always something or someone wanting to mess with their peaceful forest and the creatures who live there. But Kalvin and his friends are up to the task, even though at times, the challenges are harrowing, and their success is uncertain.

Author Biography

J.R. (Randy) Hardin was born in Rome, Georgia, attended Berry College, and has lived in either Georgia or North Carolina all his life. He currently resides in Gainesville, Georgia. A true Southern writer, J.R.'s books are flavored with the unique characters and settings of the South.

Author Insight

Kudzu monsters are our friends.

In the southeastern portion of the United States millions of acres are covered in kudzu vines. Because kudzu vines grow nearly twenty meters long and as rapidly as a foot a day in the summer, trees can be covered in the vines. The vine covered trees took on weird and spooky shapes.
When my son was very young I told him the vine covered trees were kudzu monsters. When we took a car trip my son, Shane, would look for the monsters. He'd shout out when he spotted a monster and I'd ask if it was coming after us. He'd peek out the windows and often report that he thought it was still watching us but it wasn't after us.
The fun we had looking for kudzu monsters is why I decided to write stories about a family of friendly kudzu monsters.

Book Excerpt

The Kudzu Monster Trilogy

“Kalvin,” said his mother, Kitty, “I want you to go look for your father. He should have returned last night from his visit with Karl and Karen. I’m afraid something bad has happened to him.”

“Dad said to stay with you, Mom, until he returned,” Kalvin replied.

“Well, the situation has changed. I think you should go find your father.”

Kalvin looked at his mom, who was standing perfectly still. Joined to her was his new baby sister, Kandi. She looked like a small version of his mother, but her eyes were still closed. She was not yet ready to break free from her mom.

“Okay, Mom, I’ll find Dad,” Kalvin responded, and he started off.

Kalvin’s eight root-like feet raised his tree-trunk body off the ground. His back feet bowed up like inchworms, and his front feet stretched out. They pushed and pulled him down the kudzu-covered hill. Kudzu vines and leaves wrapped his body. The lower vines dragged on the ground behind him, making a rustling sound.